Report highlights role of plastic packaging

LONDON -- The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is highlighting the importance of plastics packaging in preventing food waste.

Its report, "Waste Not, Want Not," also points out the significant overseas business opportunities for UK plastics packaging manufacturers.

The research emphasizes the need for innovative technology in developing countries to help decrease food wastage as it is clear that current packaging and storage approaches in these locations leave much to be desired. It points out that "in India, for example, 21 million metric tons of wheat annually perishes due to inadequate storage and distribution, equivalent to the entire production of Australia. In neighboring Pakistan, losses amount to about 16 percent of production."